Chhattisgarh polls: No nomination filed for first phase on first day

RAIPUR: No papers were filed today on the first day of filing of nomination for the first phase of polls to Chhattisgarh assembly on November 11.

The process of filing of nomination for 18 Naxal-affected constituencies of south Chhattisgarh, going to polls in the first phase, began with Governor Shekhar Dutt issuing a notification.

However, no nominations were filed on the first day, an official with the office of Chief Electoral Officer here said.

As per the notification, October 25 is the last date for filing of nominations in the first phase and after scrutiny the next day, the last date for withdrawal is October 28.

The remaining 72 constituencies will see polling on November 19.

Meanwhile, the top Election Commission officials, including Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath and Election Commissioner H S Brahma, arrived here this evening on two-day visit to review the poll arrangements.

The Commission held a meeting with representatives of political parties which went on till late tonight.

Ruling BJP has asked EC to change the polling date for the the second phase -- November 19 -- which is the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Related programmes would be held on that day and it could influence the election process, BJP leader Naresh Chandra Gupta told PTI. BJP has also complained about `the paid news' to the EC, he added.

Main opposition Congress has accused Chief Minister Raman Singh and his cabinet colleagues of misusing their powers and violating the model code of conduct.

PCC general secretary Ramesh Varlyani demanded videography of polling booths during polling and a ban on liquor sale in the state seven days ahead of the polls.

In the second phase of polling, the notification will be issued on October 25 and the last date for nominations is November 1 and after scrutiny the next day, the last date for withdrawal of nominations is November 4.